SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for the first two episodes of “Pluribus,” now streaming on Apple TV. Renowned creator Vince Gilligan, known for his groundbreaking work on “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” is back with an ambitious new project. Currently, he is immersed in the archives at Variety's New York office, where he reminisces about the early reviews of “Breaking Bad” from January 2008. The review praised his unique storytelling style, hinting at the elusive success of the series. Little did they know, “Breaking Bad” would go on to become one of the greatest TV shows in history.
Gilligan's previous successes have turned him into a sought-after figure in Hollywood, allowing him to create “Pluribus,” a high-budget sci-fi drama that premiered on November 7 on Apple TV. This series stars Rhea Seehorn, who captivated audiences as Kim Wexler in “Better Call Saul.” “Pluribus” takes a bold departure from courtroom dramas, instead exploring a bizarre and thrilling narrative set in Gilligan’s familiar backdrop of Albuquerque.
The lead-up to the release of “Pluribus” was steeped in mystery, featuring cryptic promotional materials and a wave of embargoed spoilers from Apple. The series' logline is intriguingly vague, stating, “The most miserable person on Earth must save the world from happiness.” With the first two episodes now available, audiences are introduced to a plot that combines elements of sci-fi with dark humor.
In “Pluribus,” a team of researchers discovers an alien signal from 600 light-years away that contains a recipe for a unique RNA sequence. This discovery leads to a series of animal tests that result in an accidental lab leak, infecting scientists with a virus that compels them to kiss each other. This bizarre contagion spreads, leading to what is termed “The Joining,” which turns most of the world into friendly zombies, all except for twelve individuals, including Seehorn’s character, Carol Sturka.
Carol, a curmudgeonly romantic author, finds herself in a chaotic situation when she notices the peculiar behavior of her wife, Helen, and the rest of the population. In a frantic attempt to save her wife, she drives to the hospital, only to discover the world has transformed into a utopia of friendly zombies who insist, “We just want to help, Carol.” A White House official reassures her that this is not an alien invasion but rather “a psychic glue capable of binding us all together.”
Despite the pandemic-like opening of the show, Gilligan assures fans that the idea for “Pluribus” predates COVID-19. While working on “Better Call Saul,” he began to contemplate a story where the entire population becomes unnaturally kind to the protagonist due to an earth-shattering event. Eventually, he realized that the character should be tailored for Seehorn, who he describes as having an irresistible charisma.
When Gilligan finally approached Seehorn about the script, he kept it under wraps until he was ready to unveil it. Seehorn’s eagerness to work with Gilligan was palpable, as she expressed her excitement about the project without knowing the details. Their collaborative relationship has blossomed, with Gilligan knowing Seehorn would bring depth to the character.
In a television landscape dominated by reboots and established franchises, Gilligan faced the challenge of convincing studios to embrace an original idea. “Pluribus” sparked the first bidding war of Gilligan’s career, with numerous studios vying for his unique vision. Ultimately, he chose Apple TV for its promise of “trust and time,” memories of their previous collaboration on “Breaking Bad” guiding his decision.
Gilligan seeks to create a protagonist that embodies goodness, a departure from the antiheroes he’s known for. He believes that, especially in today's climate, there’s a need for more positive characters in storytelling. Carol Sturka, while not a conventional hero, embodies the struggles of humanity and the complexities of the human condition.
As the series progresses, the concept of “Pluribus” becomes clearer: the friendly zombies wish to share their bliss with the remaining humans. Carol's resistance to their collective consciousness raises questions about individuality and freedom. With the series’ unique premise, viewers are left pondering deeper themes of societal conformity and the human experience.
Gilligan’s skepticism towards artificial intelligence also echoes throughout the show. He argues against the encroachment of AI in creative fields, emphasizing the importance of human experience in storytelling. “Pluribus” serves as a reminder that while technology advances, the essence of storytelling remains rooted in the human condition.
Apple has greenlit “Pluribus” for two seasons, with Gilligan indicating a desire to explore the series beyond that. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility in storytelling, ready to adapt the narrative as new ideas emerge. As Gilligan and Seehorn embark on this new journey together, fans can anticipate a series that not only entertains but also provokes thought about society, humanity, and the future.
With Gilligan's track record and the engaging performances of the cast, “Pluribus” is set to become a noteworthy entry in the world of original television. As audiences delve into this inventive series, they can expect surprises and reflections on the complexities of modern life.
